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Our Mission

The Music For Life Alliance is a 501c(3) tax exempt, not for profit charity that facilitates the efforts of individuals and organizations making music learning accessible to young people who may not otherwise be able to experience the educational, psychological, and social benefits of making music. Through awards, grants and recognition, and by creating and maintaining a national database, the Music For Life Alliance helps support and unify grassroots efforts across the country.

This month's featured organization

Walker Creek Music Camp
www.walkercreekmusiccamp.org

This camp is for people who like bluegrass and oldtime traditional music (though other related styles such as Celtic, Cajun, country, and swing tend to sneak in here and there). All ages are welcome, and core classes are offered in instrumental skills, jamming and band dynamics, and vocals. There are classes for beginners as well as intermediate levels.

We also offer a special class for younger children who are not yet ready for the full camp program, but would enjoy spending the morning playing music, singing, dancing, and taking breaks for arts and crafts, nature walks etc.

For students of all ages who love to play, sing, or dance to Bluegrass & Oldtime Music

Since families are so often on tight budgets, especially with our current economy, we recruit donations for the camp scholarship fund from those who can afford to contribute, to ensure that everyone who wants to come to camp is able to, regardless of their financial situation. We very seldom turn anyone away for lack of funds. Additionally, we charge a very low fee for the Music & More program, to encourage parents to bring their kids to camp and get them started on a lifelong love of music habit. Many people come to me after camp to tell me what a life-changing experience the camp has been for them, their children, and their families.

We`ve needed the help of the Walker Creek Music Camp Scholarship fund for the past couple years since I lost full-time employment. We discovered our daughter`s gift for fiddle there at the childrens` program, but without the scholarship fund, our daughter would not have been able to pursue the invaluable learning she has continued to receive from the in-depth classes at this wonderful, biannual camp. The camp classes have allowed her to learn under the guidance of amazing bluegrass and old-time musicians which the camp draws from around the country. The scholarship program at Walker Creek Music Camp has been a gateway to music education that otherwise would have remained financially closed off to our daughter, and we are very thankful that it has been there for us!- a parent

Awards and Recognition for Organizations Making a Difference

There are a growing number of individuals and organizations stepping up to the great need for kids to learn music, in the face of ever-growing cutbacks in the arts. We believe that these organizations need support and recognition for the positive impact they are having on our next generation of citizens. MFLA grants and awards, as well as our community of sharing resources are but a few ways to encourage their work and dedication. If you have a recommendation for our next MFLA awards, please email Al Norton.

Expanding Our Database of Organizations Making a Difference

Whether you have needs for your music program or have an instrument or time/services to donate, Music for Life Alliance is set up to help you. Explore our Links Page to locate worthy organizations in your area or who may be in need of your resources.

Do you have an organization capable of giving musical instruments and lessons to kids who my not otherwise experience the joy of making music? Please contact Al Norton and join our "Organizations Making A Difference."

The organizations listed in our database are mostly nonprofit. We make every effort to research them to keep them updated and assure their effectiveness. However, also contact them yourself, as nonprofits may change and we cannot claim responsibility for any of the organizations listed here. We appreciate any feedback you may have.